Hazara Activists Urge International Recognition of Genocide, End to Discrimination in Afghanistan

Hazara Activists Urge International Recognition of Genocide, End to Discrimination in Afghanistan
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A coalition of Hazara diaspora groups, political activists, civil society representatives, and human rights advocates has called on the international community to formally recognize the mass killings of Hazaras in the late 19th century as the “Hazara genocide.”

In an open letter, the signatories argued that recognition of the historical events, based on the principles of the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, is essential for addressing the roots of discrimination, preventing future atrocities, and protecting the rights of the Hazara community.

According to a report published by Hasht-e Subh, the signatories expressed concern over what they described as the continuation of discriminatory practices against Hazaras and other Shia communities in Afghanistan. They cited reports of forced displacement, land confiscation, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on religious freedoms.

The activists called on the United Nations and international human rights organizations to conduct independent documentation of alleged abuses, apply diplomatic pressure to prevent property seizures and violations of civil rights, and avoid the forced return of Hazara refugees to conditions they consider unsafe.

The appeal comes amid ongoing concerns from human rights groups about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and renewed calls for greater international attention to their protection and legal rights.